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What's Love Got to Do With It

Play trailer Poster for What's Love Got to Do With It R Released Jun 9, 1993 1h 58m Biography Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
97% Tomatometer 59 Reviews 88% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
Based on the life of the legendary soul singer, Tina Turner (Angela Bassett) -- born Anna Mae Bullock -- discovers her love of singing in her Tennessee church choir. She moves to St. Louis to pursue a career, and there she meets the charismatic Ike Turner (Laurence Fishburne), who rechristens her Tina and offers to help her succeed. As a musical team, Ike and Tina take the charts by storm. But as his physical abuse worsens, Tina has to make the tough decision to leave Ike and set out on her own.
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What's Love Got to Do With It

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Critics Consensus

With a fascinating real-life story and powerhouse performances from Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne, What's Love Got to Do With It? is a can't miss biopic.

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Critics Reviews

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Derek Malcolm Guardian What's Love Got To Do With It may not be quite in the class of George Cukor but it's a lot better, for instance, than Mark Rydell's picking of the bones of Janis Joplin in The Rose. May 12, 2021 Full Review Stephen Amidon Financial Times The two leads turn in powerful performances. Apr 21, 2021 Full Review Geoff Brown The Times (UK) As an actor's showcase, the film is a dream. Apr 21, 2021 Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins The characterizations and details are occasionally startling; the extent of her husband’s vicious mistreatment and relentless disregard for her safety – and its significant effects on her mental wellbeing – are thoroughly monstrous. Rated: 7/10 Feb 6, 2025 Full Review Joseph Robinson Fish Jelly Films (YouTube) What's Love Got to Do With It is a classic and should be used as the blueprint for this sort of sweeping biopic: superb acting, a strong script, excellent production value, and access to the artist's material. Rated: 4.5/5 Jul 29, 2023 Full Review Philip French Observer (UK) A major high spot and a pivotal point in the couple's troubled relationship comes when Phil Spector intrudes to produce 'River Deep, Mountain High'. The power of the song embodies the drama. May 12, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Tyler S I enjoyed this very much. Tragic to see what Tina Turner went through, but now I can say I generally know her career. The tunes were really freaking good too. And props to Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne on some great performances as Ike and Tina Turner. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/23/25 Full Review Nicholas B What's Love Got to Do with It is an outstanding five-star biographical drama that I absolutely admire. With its powerful performances, gripping storytelling, and emotional depth, it delivers an unforgettable and inspiring experience. Angela Bassett shines as Tina Turner, capturing her strength and resilience, while Laurence Fishburne delivers a compelling portrayal of Ike Turner. The film’s raw depiction of Tina’s journey—from hardship to triumph—makes it a deeply moving and impactful masterpiece! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/26/25 Full Review Stephen C 1 hour and 58 minutes based on real events!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/20/25 Full Review Francisco S I´ve seen boxing movies with less punches thrown. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 04/19/25 Full Review Cecilia S Honestly this movie deserves more praise and attention! Of all the biopics i have seen in my life, this one stands out as one of the best and most memorable! I am a huge fan of Tina Turner, but I don't think you have to be to enjoy this movie! The movie is so much more than the music! IIs a great drama with some amazing performances and some dark dramatic scenes that are more disturbing than you may think! Angela Basset and Laurence fishburne were amazing! They really became the characters they were playing to the point where you almost forget you are watching actors and not the real Ike and Tina! The music were great and since I never got to experience Tina this movie is the closest i can get and it does a great job at it! Tina had a huge influence on music, me and all of us! Incredible artist that will never be forgotten! May she rest in peace! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/14/25 Full Review Rosana B Em pensar que a infância dela conseguiu ser mais sofrida, e não foi inserida no filme, como as mulheres suportam essa abusividade toda (tão real e atual), relacionamentos tóxicos, acobertados pelos amigos, amigas, família, mãe, triste, bom foi ter vivido tempo suficiente para curtir toda sua fama longe daquele troglodita... Belíssimo, uma homenagem mais que necessária, uma artista incrível, uma história que encoraja outras mulheres… Um filme emblemático, um grito de socorro e musical. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 12/28/24 Full Review Read all reviews
What's Love Got to Do With It

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Cast & Crew

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Brian Gibson

Director

Angela Bassett

Tina Turner

Laurence Fishburne

Ike Turner, Sr.

Vanessa Bell Calloway

Jackie

Jenifer Lewis

Zelma Bullock

RaéVen Larrymore Kelly

Young Anna Mae Bullock

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What's Love Got to Do With It

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Movie Info

Synopsis Based on the life of the legendary soul singer, Tina Turner (Angela Bassett) -- born Anna Mae Bullock -- discovers her love of singing in her Tennessee church choir. She moves to St. Louis to pursue a career, and there she meets the charismatic Ike Turner (Laurence Fishburne), who rechristens her Tina and offers to help her succeed. As a musical team, Ike and Tina take the charts by storm. But as his physical abuse worsens, Tina has to make the tough decision to leave Ike and set out on her own.
Director
Brian Gibson
Producer
Doug Chapin, Barry Krost
Screenwriter
Tina Turner, Kurt Loder, Kate Lanier
Distributor
Abril Vídeo, Buena Vista Pictures
Production Co
Touchstone Pictures
Rating
R
Genre
Biography
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 9, 1993, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 1, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA)
$38.9M
Runtime
1h 58m
Sound Mix
Surround
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